CIB’s influence has grown with city’s sports scene

State lawmakers formed the Capital Improvement Board in 1965 to oversee construction of the city’s convention center. Its
duties expanded greatly in 1982, when CIB spearheaded construction of the Hoosier Dome, later renamed the RCA Dome.

In the 1980s and ’90s, as the city’s dedication
to professional sports and conventions grew—so did the role of CIB. It oversaw multiple convention-center
expansions in addition to managing downtown’s growing roster of sports venues.

The panel has nine members. Six are appointed by Republican Mayor Greg Ballard,
though he’s required to give two seats to Democrats.

Two more seats are appointed by the Marion County Board of Commissioners, which is made up of
Marion County Treasurer Mike Rodman, Marion County Assessor Greg Bowes and Marion County Auditor Billie
Breaux—all Democrats.

The Indianapolis City-County Council, which currently has a Republican majority, is responsible for the last CIB appointment.

Republicans currently have a five-to-four majority
on CIB.